Three Leaders Honored at Pittsburgh Smart 50 Awards

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Top executives recognized for leading in innovation, impact, sustainability

PITTSBURGH, PA (PRWEB)November 16, 2015

Smart Business magazine has recognized the Pittsburgh region’s three top executives for innovation, impact and sustainability with its second annual Smart 50 Awards.

“The top honorees in these select categories are visionary leaders in the region who have energy and passion, taking innovation to the next level and are truly making a difference in the community,” said Dustin S. Klein, publisher of Smart Business, a publisher of 10 regional business publications including Smart Business Pittsburgh. “They have gone above and beyond what it takes to effectively build and lead successful organizations that have a strong impact on the community and the greater region.”

Danielle Cuomo, president of Virtual Assist USA, earned the Innovation award. The Innovation category honors an organization for developing and commercializing new products, services and solutions. Cuomo started Virtual Assist nearly a decade ago and within two years grew it into a multimillion-dollar company by delivering on-demand services for entrepreneurs and business owners who need Web designers, administrative assistance and marketing professionals.

Dennis Wilke, president and director of Rosedale Technical College earned the Impact award. The Impact award honors an organization whose products, services and solutions benefit the organization, its employees, investors and others in categories ranging from sales and expansion to giving back to the community. Wilke fosters an environment of passionate, talented and caring people who work together for its students, employers and the community. Under his leadership, Rosedale Tech has increased revenue by 400 percent, doubled the number of employees and tripled educational offerings.

Tacy Byham, CEO of Development Dimensions International was honored for Sustainability. The Sustainability award honors an organization whose combination of innovation and impact lead to a sustainable, scalable business that develops and fosters community. As DDI’s new CEO, Byham is putting into practice what she’s learned over a lifetime of watching her father lead a company committed to unlock human potential in organizations.

The ceremony was held Nov. 10 at the Fairmont Pittsburgh Hotel. Dan Dingus of Fragasso Financial Advisors, Tony Kocis of Hub International/HDH Group and Jeff Conn of Clark-Hill presented the awards to the special category winners. David Schaich of Chase presented awards to the Smart 50 Honorees.

Chase, Fragasso, Clark Hill and Hub International/HDH Group sponsored the awards, along with WordWrite Communications, the Fairmont Pittsburgh and Digizoom Media.

To receive a nomination form for the 2016 awards, or to learn more about the Smart 50, please contact: Meredith Rankin at mrankin(at)sbnonline.com, or 440-250-7023.

About the Smart 50 Awards
The Smart 50 Awards recognize the 50 top executives in select regions for their ability to effectively build and lead successful organizations. Eligible “Smart 50” nominees must lead organizations that have a physical presence in the region where the awards are being presented.